Water treatment systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A water treatment device and methods of treating water such as cooling tower water, swimming pool water, and hot tub or spa water, are described. The water treatment device utilizes ultraviolet radiation, a magnetic field, and ozone fortified air to treat the water, typically resulting in reduced microbial contamination and reduced alkalinity in cooling tower water. Cooling tower water may consequently be run at higher cycles of concentration while reducing or eliminating deposition of minerals on cooling tower components. Swimming pool water and hot tub water treated with the water treatment device typically requires less chlorine, and chlorine levels are typically more stable than without the device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/444,697, filed Apr. 11, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/474,646, filed Apr. 12, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The disclosed invention pertains generally to systems and methods for treating water. More particularly, embodiments of the disclosed invention utilize ultraviolet light and/or magnets to treat water.

BACKGROUND

Water treatment is required to generate or maintain acceptable water quality in systems such as cooling towers, evaporative coolers, heat exchangers, chillers, process recirculation systems, point-of-entry water treatment systems, and various wastewater treatment systems. For instance, many air conditioners and other processes that produce heat as a byproduct or waste product utilize cooling towers to dissipate or dispose of heat.

Cooling towers often use water as a cooling medium to absorb heat from air conditioning coils or similar heat dumping devices. Water makes an excellent cooling medium due to its relatively high specific heat capacity, its excellent heat conduction in liquid form, and its relatively high heat of vaporization. However, cooling tower water requires extensive treatment to prevent water quality from degrading to unacceptable levels.

Cooling towers that circulate water to dissipate or dispose of heat usually lose substantial quantities of water to evaporation. A typical air conditioning cooling tower loses to evaporation about 3 gallons per minute of water, per 100 tons of air conditioning capacity. A large hospital may have about 1000 tons of air conditioning capacity. Thus the large hospital air conditioning cooling tower loses about 1800 gallons of water per hour through evaporation. Vaporization of cooling tower water leaves behind substantially all of the solids dissolved in the water that becomes vaporized, resulting in increased concentration of dissolved solids in cooling tower water that remains in liquid phase in the tower. Cooling tower water that is hyper-concentrated with solutes (solute laden) results, and precipitation or deposition of those solids on cooling tower components is a major problem. Cycle(s) of concentration (“cycle”) is a measure of the degree to which dissolved solids concentration in circulating water is increased over that of feed water (also referred to as raw water) as follows: feed water is at 1 cycle of concentration; where dissolved solids in circulating water reach a concentration that is twice that of the feed water, the circulating water is at or has undergone 2 cycles of concentration; at a concentration of 4 times that of feed water, the circulating water is at or has undergone 4 cycles of concentration, etc.

Carbonate precipitation and deposition is typically problematic in cooling towers, due at least in part to hyper-concentration of solutes, and to alkalinization. Calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate are frequently the most problematic species. Carbonate precipitation is exacerbated by highly alkaline cooling tower water because proportions of carbonate to bicarbonate increase with increase in pH, and carbonate is less soluble in water than bicarbonate. Accordingly, precipitation of carbonate is more problematic at higher pH. Control of alkalinity (i.e. lowering pH) is therefore highly desirable in cooling tower water treatment. Bacterial growth and growth of microorganisms or other organisms in cooling tower water and on cooling tower components is also a substantial problem.

Cooling tower water alkalinity and hyper-concentration of dissolved solids is typically addressed by adding chemicals to the water that help keep the dissolved solids in solution or suspension. However, such chemicals can add substantially to building cooling costs. Chemicals (biocides) are also used to inhibit organism growth, but such chemicals can also be costly, and some biocides are less effective under conditions of increased alkalinity.

Cooling tower water quality is also typically maintained by draining a portion of the water (referred to as bleeding off) and replacing the drained water with feed water that is not hyper-concentrated or substantially biologically contaminated by elevated microorganism levels. Use of chemicals to treat cooling tower water can complicate bleeding off, or limit use of some chemicals, because some chemically treated water may require specialized disposal. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be effective as a disinfecting agent, but generally does not help with hyper-concentration and deposition of water borne solids.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to solving these and other problems and overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art. More particularly, embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods provide for the maintenance and/or improvements of water quality. As examples, and without limitation, embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied in connection with maintaining the quality of water in cooling towers, swimming pools, fountains or other water features, and the like. Treatment systems and methods as disclosed herein utilize ultraviolet (UV) radiation or light. Embodiments can additionally utilize magnetic fields. The UV radiation and/or magnetic fields can be applied directly to water, in order to treat that water. Alternatively or in addition, the UV radiation and/or magnetic fields can be applied to a gas, such as air, and the treated gas can then be placed in contact with water, in order to treat the water.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the UV radiation can comprise ultraviolet radiation having multiple wavelengths. For example, UV radiation at wavelengths of about 185 nm and about 254 nm can be utilized. Magnets can be provided as part of linear arrays. Moreover, such linear arrays can be arranged in pairs. As an example, a pair of linear arrays of magnets can be located adjacent a UV lamp within a treatment chamber, in order to treat a gas contained within the treatment chamber with UV radiation and a magnetic field simultaneously.

In accordance with at least some embodiments a gas is treated with UV radiation and the treated gas is then placed in contact with water. A pump can be provided to analyze pressurized air to a treatment chamber containing a UV light source. The treatment chamber can additionally include linear arrays of magnets. Pressurized gas exposed to the UV radiation and, if magnets are provided, a magnetic field, then exits the treatment chamber and is placed in contact with the water to be treated.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are related to systems for treating water. Such systems can include a treatment chamber housing that defines an interior volume. A treatment chamber inlet is operable to admit air into the interior volume of the treatment chamber housing. Located within the treatment chamber housing is a UV radiation source. A treatment chamber outlet is provided that is operable to exhaust air from the interior volume of the treatment chamber housing.

Systems can include additional elements, alone or in combination. Such elements include, for example, an air pump, wherein an outlet of the air pump provides a flow of air to the treatment chamber inlet. The UV radiation source can be operable to admit ultraviolet radiation at a plurality of wavelengths, including radiation having a first wavelength that is within a range of from about 178 nm to about 187 nm, and including light at a second wavelength that is within a range from about 252 nm to about 256 nm. The system can further include a plurality of UV radiation sources within the interior volume of the treatment chamber housing. A plurality of magnets can be included within the interior of the treatment chamber. The magnets can be arrayed along at least a first line, forming a linear array, wherein the polarity of the magnets arrayed along the first line are such that a first magnet in the line repels a second magnet in the line. In accordance with still further embodiments, the magnets can be arrayed along at least first and second lines, wherein the polarity of the magnets arrayed along the first line are such that a first magnetic repels a second magnet in the first line, wherein the polarity of the magnets arrayed along the second line are such that a first magnet repels a second magnet in the second line, wherein the first magnet of the first line is adjacent the first magnet of the second line, wherein the second magnet of the first line is adjacent the second magnet of the second line, and wherein the first adjacent magnets and the second adjacent magnets have magnetic fields or polarities that are oppositely aligned.

Other embodiments provide systems for treating water that can include an air pump. In addition, the systems can include a first treatment chamber having a treatment chamber housing that defines an interior volume or a first treatment volume, and an inlet to the interior volume, wherein the inlet is interconnected to an outlet of the air pump by at least a first supply tube or conduit. The systems can further include an outlet from the interior volume. In addition, a UV light source is located within the interior volume of the first treatment chamber.

Systems can additionally include other elements alone or in combination. For instance, a system can include a second treatment chamber. The second treatment chamber can have a treatment chamber housing, wherein the treatment chamber housing defines an interior volume or treatment volume of the second treatment chamber, an inlet to the interior volume, wherein the inlet is interconnected to an outlet of the air pump by at least a second supply tube or conduit, and an outlet from the interior volume. A second UV radiation source is located within the interior volume of the second treatment chamber. In addition, a common outlet, wherein the outlet from the interior volume of the first treatment chamber and the outlet from the interior volume of the second treatment chamber are interconnected to the common outlet, can also be provided. The first treatment chamber can further include a first plurality of magnets arranged along a first line, wherein an orientation of magnets within the first plurality of magnets alternates. The first treatment chamber can additionally include a second plurality of magnets arranged along a second line, wherein an orientation of the magnetic poles of magnets within the second plurality of magnets alternates, and wherein an orientation of the magnetic poles of each magnet in the first plurality of magnets is reversed from an adjacent magnet in the second plurality of magnets. Similarly, the second treatment chamber can include a third plurality of magnets arranged along a third line, wherein an orientation of the magnetic poles of magnets within the third plurality of magnets alternates, and a fourth plurality of magnets arranged a fourth line, wherein an orientation of magnets within the fourth plurality of magnets alternates, and wherein an orientation of the magnetic poles of each magnet in the third plurality of magnets is reversed from an adjacent magnet in the fourth plurality of magnets.

The methods disclosed herein can further include methods for treating water that comprise contacting an oxygen-containing gas stream with ultraviolet radiation to form treated oxygen gas and, thereafter, contacting a water stream with the treated gas to form a treated water stream. Additional aspects of methods in accordance with the present disclosure can include contacting the oxygen containing gas stream with the ultraviolet radiation within an induced magnetic field. The magnetic field can be established between two parallel sets of magnets with alternating magnetic poles. The oxygen—containing gas stream can comprise air. Moreover, contacting the oxygen containing gas stream with ultraviolet radiation can be performed at a pressure greater than ambient pressure, preferably from about 55 inches to about 4,000 inches of water greater than ambient atmospheric pressure. The ultraviolet radiation can include wavelengths of at least about 185 nm and about 254 nm. The ultraviolet radiation can comprise substantially ultraviolet radiation of about 185 nm and about 254 nm wavelengths. Contacting the treated oxygen gas stream with the water stream can include at least one of: forming a dispersion of the treated oxygen gas in the water stream; bubbling the treated oxygen gas into the water stream; and introducing the treated oxygen gas through a venturi effect to the water stream. Moreover, the water stream can be substantially free of one or both of free chlorine and chlorine disinfection byproducts. The method can additionally include contacting a calcium containing deposit with the treated water stream to remove at least some of the calcium containing deposit and to form a calcium-laden water. Preferably, the treated water stream has a cycle of concentration more than about 1, more preferably a cycle of concentration more than about 4. The contacting of the oxygen containing gas stream with the ultraviolet radiation can be substantially at ambient temperature and at a pressure of no less than about 55 inches of water and no more than about 4,000 inches of water above ambient atmospheric pressure, and wherein the treated water contains less than about 50,000 colonies of bacteria per mL.

Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the following description, particularly when taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-section view of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top cross-section view of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is side view of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts a water treatment system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section of a treatment chamber in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a flowchart depicting aspects of a method for treating water in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention comprise water treatment devices that utilize UV radiation, a magnetic field, and/or ozone fortified air to treat solute-laden water, highly alkaline water, and biologically contaminated water, or water that will likely become highly alkaline or biologically contaminated in the absence of treatment. An example of such water is cooling tower water. Other examples include, but are not limited to, oil or gas well by-product water and other contaminated water generated as a by-product of an industrial process or processes. Embodiments of the present invention are also effective at treating swimming pool water and spa or hot tub water, where the water treatment devices typically stabilize chlorine concentration, and reduce the need for chlorine in the water.

By use of the water treatment device, the pH of solute laden water such as cooling tower water is modulated, and biological contamination is highly controlled without the use of, or with substantially reduced use of, chemical agents. Water treatment costs are therefore reduced by use of the water treatment device over chemical treatment alone. Embodiments of the present invention effectively treat cooling tower water by preventing or eliminating biological contamination of the water, and by lowering pH about 0.2 units, or maintaining cooling tower water pH 0.2 units below what the pH would be if the cooling tower water were untreated.

Embodiments of the water treatment device disclosed herein can mitigate total alkalinity such that alkalinity does not concentrate as fast as calcium ions, water hardness, chloride ions, conductivity, or other indices of cycles of concentration. In a typical installation, total alkalinity is 50%-75% of expected based on cycles of concentration indicated by an increase in chloride ion concentration. The reduced alkalinity can be highly beneficial, with deposition of scale and other mineral deposits on cooling tower parts being greatly reduced or eliminated completely.

Embodiments of the water treatment device disclosed herein can operate to increase calcium concentration where the water treatment device is installed on a cooling water system that has incurred substantial mineral deposits. In many cases, the substantial mineral deposits can be substantially or completely eliminated. The substantial mineral deposits are typically eliminated within a year of installing the water treatment device.

In some embodiments, the water treatment device includes a glass media filter. The filter can remove or reduce suspended solids, including dead bacteria, and may help prevent infestation of water with Legionella bacteria.

Terminology

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive; rather the term is inclusive, meaning “either or both.”

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “one variation”, “a variation” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or variation, is included in at least an embodiment or variation of the invention. The phrase “in one embodiment”, “in one variation” or similar phrases, as used in various places in the specification, are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the same variation.

The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and appended claims refers to an indirect or direct connection between the identified elements, components, or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.

The term “approximately,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 10% of the value given. For example: “approximately 14.0 watts” means a range from 12.6 watts to 15.4 watts.

The term “about,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 20% of the value given.

The terms “hyper-concentrated,” and “solute laden,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to circulating water (cooling tower water) that contains dissolved solids and other dissolved species at concentrations that are elevated at least 2 fold over feed water. For example, circulating water at a cycle of concentration of 2 is hyper-concentrated with dissolved solids.

The terms “biologically contaminated” and “biologically contaminated water,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to circulating water (cooling tower water) with bacterial load of greater than 50,000 colonies per milliliter. It is recognized that 50,000 colonies per milliliter and lower is considered an acceptable level of bacterial contamination for circulating water under some water treatment schemes, and in the absence of effective water treatment, bacterial load in circulating water can reach 500,000 to 1,000,000 colonies per mL, or even higher. Bacterial load of 1000 colonies per milliliter and lower is achievable with embodiments of the water treatment device of the present invention.

The terms “polluted” or “polluted water” refers to water that is unfit or undesirable for its intended use. Thus water that is intended to be used as drinking water may be polluted, but that same water could be acceptable, and therefore not polluted, if intended to be discharged into a river.

The term “oxygenated gas,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a gas phase mixture or solution comprising some form of oxygen at a level of at least 1% by weight. Forms of oxygen include monoatomic oxygen (O); diatomic oxygen, also known as ground state (triplet, 3Σ_(g) ⁻ O₂) molecular oxygen (O₂); ozone or triatomic oxygen (O₃); diatomic oxygen with electrons in either of two excited states (¹Δ_(g) ⁻ O₂ and ¹Σ_(g) O₂) known as singlet oxygen (either form of singlet oxygen represented here as ¹O₂); and superoxide anion (O₂ ⁻).

The term “air,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to the commonly recognized gas that surrounds the surface of the earth and comprises approximately 78.08% N₂, 20.95% O₂, 0.934% Ar, and 0.0383% CO₂ by volume using the 1976 Standard Atmosphere values at sea level.

The term “oxygen supplemented air,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to air comprising greater than 21.1% O₂ by weight.

The term “ozone fortified gas,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a gas comprising greater than 600 parts per billion ozone.

The term “ozone fortified air,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to air comprising greater than 600 parts per billion ozone.

The term “ultraviolet radiation” or “UV radiation,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to electromagnetic radiation having wavelength in a range from 40 nm to 400 nm. Accordingly, a UV radiation source emits electromagnetic radiation having wavelength in a range from 40 nm to 400 nm.

The term “substantially UV transmissive” or “substantially UV transmissive material,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to material that transmits 50% or more of radiation having a wavelength of about 180 nm and/or about 254 nm, per 1 mm of material.

The term “substantially parallel,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to lines or axes are relative to one another plus or minus 3°.

Embodiments of Water Treatment Devices

A first embodiment water treatment device 126 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4; none of FIGS. 1-4 are drawn to scale. A schematic representation of the first embodiment water treatment device 126 installed in a cooling tower water system 110 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The first embodiment water treatment device 126 comprises a radiation chamber 127, a gas injector 138, a valve 140, and a pump 114. The gas injector of the first embodiment water treatment device is a venturi. The cooling tower water system further comprises conduit 112 and a reservoir 124. The conduit serves to conduct water between the reservoir and the water treatment device, as well as to conduct water within the water treatment device. The reservoir of the cooling tower water system is a cooling tower basin, the cooling tower of which is paired to an air conditioner. A water treatment flow path proceeds clockwise from the reservoir 124 to the pump 114, then to either the valve 140 or the gas injector 138, before entering the radiation chamber 127 and finally returning to the reservoir 124. The water treatment flow path includes conduit 112 that travels between or through the other components disclosed above.

In operation, as illustrated in FIG. 1, water typically flows in a clockwise direction from the reservoir 124 to the pump 114, then to the gas injector 138. The reservoir serves as both a source of tainted water to be treated by the water treatment device 126 and as a destination for treated water. In some embodiments, treated water does not return to the source of the tainted water. Some embodiments use other sources of tainted water, such as tainted water from gas or oil wells.

In typical operation of the water treatment device 126, water flows through either the gas injector 138 or valve 140 before entering the radiation chamber 127. The gas injector (venturi) injects oxygenated gas into water that flows therethrough. Examples of oxygenated gas include, but are not limited to, air, oxygen supplemented air, relatively pure oxygen, ozone fortified air, and ozone fortified gas. Alternatively, water may flow through the valve 140, with volumes and proportions of water flowing through either the valve or the gas injector varying inversely, and water flow through the venturi thus being modulated by use of the valve. As is apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art flow of water through the venturi is generally increased by closing or partially closing the valve. In some embodiments, the valve 140 is absent, and the proportion of water flow through the gas injector 138 is adjustable primarily through adjusting the flow rate of the pump 114. In some embodiments, the gas injector 138 is supplemented or supplanted by gas injection means other than the venturi. Gas injection means are adapted to inject gas into the flowing water, and include, but are not limited to, gas jets or nozzles adapted to inject gas under positive pressure into the water.

Water flows into the radiation chamber 127 where it is typically irradiated with UV radiation and subjected to a magnetic field. Treated water emerges from the radiation chamber whereupon it flows back to the reservoir 124. The radiation chamber 127 of the water treatment device 126 is illustrated in detail in a cross-section view in FIG. 2. The gas injector 138, which is a venturi, is also shown in greater detail in FIG. 2. The radiation chamber comprises a four inch diameter, thirty eight inch long UV resistant acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic enclosure 128, within which is housed a UV radiation source 130, a magnetic rod 132, and a flow cell 142. The radiation chamber further comprises a bracket 154 in which is disposed an orifice 150 through which gas is relatively free to pass.

The magnetic rod 132 of the first embodiment is a copper tube within which reside six permanent magnets 134. Other embodiments may use electromagnets in place of or in addition to permanent magnets. The flow cell of the first embodiment water treatment device is a glass tube having an inside diameter of one inch and comprising UV quality quartz glass. The UV quality quartz glass of the first embodiment is GE Type 214 fused quartz (Momentive Performance Materials Quartz, Inc., Strongsville, Ohio), having UV radiation transmission of approximately 70% (per 1 mm material) at 185 nm and UV radiation transmission greater than 85% (per 1 mm material) at 254 nm. Other embodiments of water treatment devices include flow cells comprising substantially UV transmissive material. The flow cell 142 has a flow cell length 143 residing along a flow cell axis of cylinder, the flow cell length being approximately 30 inches. In other embodiments, the flow cell length is preferably at least 10 inches, more preferably at least 20 inches, and most preferably at least 30 inches. The flow cell is best adapted to irradiation along its flow cell length.

The UV radiation source 130 is a G36T5VH/4P (manufactured by USHIO America, Inc., a subsidiary of USHIO Inc. of Japan) ozone producing quartz UV lamp operating at approximately forty (40) watts power consumption, with a main spectral peak at approximately 253.7 nm and another spectral peak at approximately 185 nm. The G36T5VH/4P ozone producing quartz UV lamp is generally elongate and cylindrical, having a length of about 33 inches and a diameter of about 0.6 inches. It uses a universal B224PWUV-C ballast. The G36T5VH/4P lamp consumes approximately forty (40) watts power and emits approximately fourteen (14) watts power in the form of ultraviolet radiation. As is known to persons of ordinary skill in the art, radiation having a wavelength around 254 nm is highly antimicrobial. Similarly, radiation having a wavelength around 185 nm generates ozone in air, albeit inefficiently relative to corona discharge.

The flow cell 142 is coupled to the conduit 112 at conduit junctions 113, and cooling tower water flows through it during water treatment. Relatively high UV transparency of the quartz glass flow cell allows UV radiation to penetrate the flow cell to irradiate water contained therein. In the first embodiment, a distance between the UV radiation source and the flow cell is approximately 0.50 inch. In other embodiments, a distance between the UV radiation source and the flow cell is preferably between 0.1 and 12 inches, more preferably between 0.2 and 6 inches, and most preferably between 0.40 and 2.0 inches.

The magnets 134 of the magnetic rod 132 are cylindrically shaped neodymium (Neodymium-Iron-Boron) grade N52, each magnet having a cylinder diameter of approximately 0.50 inch and a cylinder height of approximately 0.50 inch. The magnets are disposed in copper tubing having an inside diameter of approximately 0.50 inch, and are arranged with like poles of adjacent magnets oriented toward each other, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In the first embodiment, a distance between the magnetic rod and the flow cell is approximately 0.50 inch. In other embodiments, a distance between the magnetic rod and the flow cell is preferably between 0.1 and 12 inches, more preferably between 0.20 and 6 inches, and most preferably between 0.40 and 2.0 inches. In some embodiments, weaker permanent magnets are used. Electromagnets may also be used.

The first embodiment radiation chamber actually comprises two UV radiation sources (G36T5VH/4P ozone producing quartz UV lamps), two magnetic rods, and a single flow cell. In order to provide a simpler, less cluttered figure, only one UV radiation source 130 and one magnetic rod 132 are illustrated in FIG. 2. Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the magnetic rod 132 appears closer to the flow cell than does the UV radiation source. Orientation of the two UV radiation sources 130, two magnetic rods 132, and flow cell 142 inside the housing 128 of the radiation chamber 126 of the first embodiment water treatment device is better illustrated in FIG. 3, which illustrates a radial cross section of the radiation chamber.

Each of the flow cell 142, the UV radiation source 130, and the magnetic rod 132 are generally cylindrical, which means that each of the flow cell, UV radiation source, and magnetic rod have an axis of cylinder. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the axes of cylinder for each of the flow cell, UV radiation source, and magnetic rod, are substantially parallel.

Radiation chambers typically comprise two G36T5VH/4P UV lamps, two magnetic rods, and a single one inch inside diameter flow cell, contained within an ABS plastic housing. A water treatment device comprising the single radiation chamber described above and a Mazzei #748 venturi drawing one cubic foot per hour (CFH) ozone fortified air from within the radiation chamber is sufficient to effectively treat cooling tower water for up to 1000 tons of refrigeration, even where feed water quality is low. Low quality feed water typically has a pH value of 8.0 or greater and a hardness value of 200 ppm or greater. Additional radiation chambers can be added to increase capacity.

Water flow rate through the gas injector (venturi) 138 and flow cell 142 is typically about ten to twenty gallons per minute (GPM), which facilitates the venture drawing a vacuum of about 15.0 inches Hg to about 25.0 inches Hg. Other embodiments comprise other UV radiation sources and magnets, and can operate effectively at other water flow rates. UV radiation intensity and magnetic field strength in the flow cell impact the maximum water flow rate at which embodiments of the invention can treat water effectively. More powerful or more numerous magnets, or more UV radiation, allow embodiments of the water treatment device to operate effectively at higher water flow rates, or to treat “harder” water. Flow cell configuration can also be adapted to modulate exposure of flow cell contents to UV radiation. Accordingly, configuring the flow cell to increase flow cell contents exposure to UV radiation enables greater water flow rates for a UV radiation source of a given intensity. Similarly, decreasing distance between UV radiation sources and flow cells, or between magnets and flow cells, can result in higher flow rates that still result in effective water treatment.

The gas injector 138 of the first embodiment water treatment device is coupled to a gas feed tube 136, the gas feed tube being adapted to deliver air from inside the radiation chamber 127 to the gas injector, the radiation chamber air being introduced into water flowing at the gas injector. Because air in the radiation chamber is irradiated at about 185 nm, ozone is produced in the radiation chamber air. Thus, radiation chamber air that is introduced into flowing water at the gas injector is ozone fortified.

The gas injector 138 of the first embodiment water treatment device is a Mazzei #748 venturi, which creates air flow of one cubic foot per hour (CFH) when generating a vacuum of 15 inches Hg. In order to operate properly, the venturi of the first embodiment water treatment device draws a minimum vacuum of twelve inches Hg.

The first embodiment water treatment device further comprises a control panel 129 that houses (i) a ballast 158 (Universal # B224PWUV-C) to energize the UV lamp, (ii) a vacuum gauge 156, (iii) a vacuum test valve 148, and, (iv) a UV lamp ON/OFF switch 160.

A typical orientation of two UV lamps 130 and two magnetic rods 132 containing a linear array of magnets (not shown) is illustrated in FIG. 3. The orientation of four individual magnets 134 in two adjacent tubes 132 is illustrated in FIG. 4. As an example, the magnets 134 can comprise permanent magnets, such as neodymium magnets. The tube 132 can comprise various materials, such as copper, poly-vinyl-chloride, or other materials. As can be seen in FIG. 4, adjacent magnets within one tube are oriented with like poles closest to each other. In addition, a first magnet 134 of a first line or linear array of magnets 134 in the first rod 132 is aligned oppositely from a first magnet 134 of a second line or linear array of magnets 134 in the second rod 132. This orientation generates desirable magnetic field orientations, indicated by magnetic field arrows 233.

Examples of cooling tower water during treatment with embodiments of water treatment devices according to the present invention are shown in Table 1. Each of the water treatment devices whose results are summarized in Table I is substantially similar and comprises: two G36T5VH/4P ozone producing quartz UV lamps; two magnetic rods, each magnetic rod comprising six neodymium grade N52 magnets, each magnet being cylindrical and approximately ½ inch diameter by ½ inch long and installed inside ½ inch inside diameter copper tubes; one flow cell comprising an approximately 1 inch inside diameter quartz glass (GE Type 214 fused quartz) tube approximately 30 inches long; and one Mazzei #748 venturi. The water treatment devices are configured as shown in FIGS. 1-4, with the UV lamps, magnetic rods, and flow cell enclosed in a radiation chamber housing, and the venturi drawing ozone fortified air from within the radiation chamber. The venturi vacuum is maintained at 15 inches to 25 inches Hg, such that the venturi draws approximately 1.0 CFH gas or more from within the reaction chamber. The magnets are oriented in the magnetic rods as shown in FIG. 4.

TABLE I SAMPLE^(B) CHLORIDE C of C^(D) ALK.^(E) C of C^(F) FACILITY^(A) SOURCE COND.^(C) (ppm) (chloride) (ppm) (ALK.) % ALK.^(G) A - 400 Feed water 1054 90 — 90 — — TONS Tower water 4110 330 3.66 200 2.22 60% B - 540 Feed water 930 55 — 200 — TONS Tower water 3129 220 4.0  400 2.00 50% C - 500 Feed water 442 54 — 100 TONS Tower water 2207 284 5.26 386 3.86 73% D - 600 Feed water 277 29 — 84 TONS Tower water 1870 213 7.34 344 4.10 56% E - 1300 Feed water 281 25 — 74 TONS Tower water 1663 181 7.24 360 4.86 67% ^(A)Facilities A-E are cooling towers located in California and Colorado, the cooling towers serving refrigeration/air conditioning units having cooling capacity listed. One ton of cooling capacity = removal of 12000 BTU per hour. ^(B)The source of each sample is either tower water, which is concentrated by evaporation that occurs during normal cooling tower operation, or feed water, which is the source for all water in the cooling tower. ^(C)COND. = conductivity in microSiemens. Conductivity is a function of ionic species dissolve in the water. ^(D)C of C (chloride) = cycles of concentration as calculated using chloride ion concentration. By definition, cycles of concentration of feed water = one. Cycles of concentration of tower water is calculated by dividing tower water chloride concentration by feed water chloride concentration. Chloride ion concentration is used here to calculate cycles of concentration because chloride ion does not evaporate and is unaffected by the water treatment device. ^(E)Alkalinity is reported in ppm (mg/L) CaC03. ^(F)C of C (alk.) = cycles of concentration as calculated using alkalinity. ^(G)% alkalinity is cycles of concentration as calculated using alkalinity, divided by cycles of concentration using chloride. The cycles of concentration using chloride is used here as an index of actual cycles of concentration of cooling tower water.

As shown in Table I, treatment of tower water with the water treatment device results in less alkalinity than would be predicted based on cycles of concentration calculated using chloride ion. Percent alkalinity ranges from 50% to 73% of predicted, the predicted value being based on cycles of concentration calculated using chloride. For instance, for Facility A, a cooling tower servicing a refrigeration unit having 400 tons of cooling capacity, chloride concentration indicates that tower water is 3.66 times as concentrated as feed water (cycles 0 f concentration based on chloride=3.66). Accordingly, one would expect to find total alkalinity in tower water also increased 3.66 times over feed water. As measured, however, alkalinity is actually increased only 2.22 times, approximately 60% of the predicted value. This 40% reduction in alkalinity has beneficial effects of permitting cooling tower water to be run at higher cycles of concentration, while minimizing scale and other deposition of solids on cooling tower components. Less water use and cleaner cooling tower components are thus beneficial consequences of the reduced alkalinity. The mechanism of action for reduced alkalinity is not well understood, but is a consequence of treating cooling tower water with the water treatment device.

A second embodiment water treatment device 226 is illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. In its second embodiment, the water treatment device is relatively compact and is adapted to deliver treated gas to a water system. Water typically does not flow through the second embodiment water treatment device. The gas is typically, but not necessarily, an oxygenated gas such as air.

The second embodiment water treatment device 226 comprises a housing 260 within which reside a ballast 266, an electric gas pump 267, and a gas treatment chamber 268. The ballast is a universal B224PWUV-C ballast, and is used to power a UV radiation source (not shown in FIG. 5, shown as element 230 in FIG. 6) that resides in the gas treatment chamber.

The electric gas pump of the second embodiment water treatment device is a Tetra Whisper® 150 aquarium air pump. The electric gas pump delivers air under positive pressure to the gas treatment chamber through a fluid delivery tube 269 at a flow rate of at least 28 liters per hour (L/hr). Flow rates of 300 L/hr or greater may be required for some applications. A barbed fitting 272 penetrates the chamber housing 270 and allows gas to enter the gas treatment chamber from the fluid delivery tube. A fluid exit port 271 is adapted to allow gas under positive pressure to exit the water treatment device, whereupon treated gas typically flows into water in a water system. Except for the barbed fitting and the fluid exit port, the gas treatment chamber is substantially gas tight.

The gas treatment chamber 268 also houses a magnetic rod (not shown in FIG. 5, shown as element 232 in FIG. 6). The housing 260 further comprises gas inlet ports 263 that reside in a removable access cap 264. The water treatment device 226 further comprises a gas outlet tube 265. In typical operation, air is pumped from within the housing, through the gas treatment chamber 268, and out the gas outlet tube 265. As air is removed from the water treatment device by flowing out the gas outlet tube 265, it is replaced by outside air that inters the housing through the gas inlet ports 263.

In accordance with at least some embodiments, the housing 260 is approximately 40 inches long, and comprises a butt portion 261 and an aft portion 262. The housing 260 can be formed from a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. In other embodiments, the housing and gas treatment chamber include materials such as, but not limited to, metal, metal alloys, composites, and natural and synthetic polymers. The butt portion 261 can comprise a cylindrical PVC tube approximately 14 inches long and having an inside diameter of approximately six inches. The aft portion 262 can comprise a PVC tube approximately 26 inches long and having an inside diameter of approximately 4 inches.

The gas treatment chamber 268 comprises a chamber housing 270, the chamber housing can include acetonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) tube approximately 36 inches long with an inside diameter of approximately 1.5 inches. The UV radiation source 230 resides in the gas treatment chamber. As an example, the UV radiation source can comprise a model G36T5VH/4P ozone producing quartz UV lamp from Ushio America, Inc. (Cypress, Calif.). The model G36T5VH/4P lamp operates at approximately forty (40) watts power consumption and has a main spectral peak at approximately 253.7 nm and another spectral peak at approximately 185 nm. The UV lamp is generally elongate and cylindrical, having a length of about 33 inches and a diameter of about 0.6 inches. It consumes approximately forty (40) watts power and emits approximately fourteen (14) watts power in the form of ultraviolet radiation. As is known to persons of ordinary skill in the art, radiation having a wavelength around 254 nm is highly antimicrobial. Similarly, radiation having a wavelength around 185 nm generates ozone in air, albeit inefficiently relative to corona discharge.

A magnetic rod 232 also resides within the gas treatment chamber 268. The magnetic rod can comprise a copper tube within which resides six permanent magnets (not shown). The magnets of the magnetic rod 232 are cylindrically shaped neodymium (Neodymium-Iron-Boron) grade N52, each magnet having a cylinder diameter of approximately 0.50 inch and a cylinder height of approximately 0.50 inch. The magnets of the second embodiment are rare earth magnets. Other embodiments use other rare earth magnets such as samarium-cobalt magnets. The copper tube has an inside diameter of approximately 0.50 inch. Except for the barbed fitting 272 and the fluid exit port 271, the gas treatment chamber is substantially gas tight. Accordingly, air or other gas pumped into the gas treatment chamber through the barbed fitting can only exit the chamber through the fluid exit port. Apertures in the gas treatment chamber through which wires enter the chamber in order to supply electricity to the UV lamp are well sealed in order to maintain a substantially gas tight chamber.

Wiring of electrically powered components such as the ballast, air pump, and UV radiation source is not shown in the figures. However, persons of ordinary skill in the art recognize that the ballast is wired to the UV lamp, and that the water treatment device is electrically coupled to a source of electric power in order to operate. Typical electrical coupling includes, but is not limited to, plugging into an electrical outlet or hard-wiring.

The second embodiment water treatment device 226 is merely exemplary. Other embodiments comprise other UV radiation sources, including, but not limited to, other UV lamps, lasers, or diodes adapted to emit radiation in the ultraviolet range. Some embodiments do not require a ballast, or use a different ballast than the B224PWUV-C. Non-limiting examples of suitable lamps include arc, discharge (including noble gas, sodium vapor, mercury vapor, metal-halide vapor or xenon vapor), induction, plasma, low-pressure, high-pressure, incandescent and discharge lamps emitting ultra-violet radiation having suitable wavelengths. Examples of suitable lasers without limitation, include gas, chemical, excimer, solid-state, fiber, photonic, semi-conductor, dye or free-electron laser operate in one of continuous or pulsed form. Furthermore, suitable diodes include without limitation are diamond, boron nitride, aluminum nitride, aluminum gallium nitride, and aluminum gallium, indium nitride.

In some embodiments, the UV radiation source or the magnets reside outside the gas treatment chamber. Where the UV radiation source resides outside the gas treatment chamber, the chamber housing should permit transmission of substantial amounts of UV light into the gas treatment chamber. For example, a glass tube comprising GE Type 214 fused quartz glass is an appropriate gas treatment chamber housing where the UV radiation source resides outside the gas treatment chamber.

A second embodiment water treatment device 226 connected to a water reservoir 224 of a water system is illustrated in FIG. 7. The water system of FIG. 7 is a cooling tower water system. Other water systems for which a second embodiment water treatment device is an appropriate treatment device include, but are not limited to, swimming pools and hot tubs.

The water treatment device 226 is operationally coupled to the water reservoir 224 through a gas outlet tube 265. The water reservoir is in fluid communication with the water treatment device through the gas outlet tube. In typical operation, the water treatment device delivers treated gas to the water reservoir through the gas outlet tube, and water from the water system does not enter the water treatment device. The gas is typically, but not necessarily, air.

A water treatment system 300 incorporating a water treatment device 326 in accordance with further embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the water treatment device 326 provides a treated gas to a water containing system. The treated gas can comprise an oxygen containing gas such as air from the ambient environment that has been exposed to ultraviolet radiation in a treatment chamber, and that is then introduced to water in the water containing system. In accordance with further embodiments, the treated gas can comprise air that has been exposed to ultraviolet radiation in the presence of a magnetic field within a treatment chamber, and that treated gas can then be introduced to water in the water containing system. In the illustrated embodiment, the water treatment device 326 is interconnected to a branch circuit or line 804 of a system 806 containing water 808. The system 806 containing water 808 can comprise any water containing system. Examples of water that can be treated using embodiments of the disclosed invention include cooling tower water, recreational water, therapy water, architectural water, and agricultural water. In general, the water treatment device 326 can be associated with any system 806 containing water that requires or that can benefit from treatment of the water by introducing a gas treated by a water treatment device 326 as disclosed herein. In addition, although shown as being connected to a branch circuit or line 804, treated gas produced by a water treatment device 326 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can be introduced directly to a main reservoir or body of water 808 within a system 806.

The water treatment device 326 generally includes at least one treatment chamber 816 that contains a UV radiation source. In addition, the treatment chamber 816 can house one or more magnets, configured in one or more arrays. An oxygen gas, such as ambient air, is introduced by an inlet 824 to the treatment chamber 816, for example by a pump 828 or other source of pressurized gas. After exposure to the UV radiation and, optionally to the magnetic field, the treated gas exits the treatment chamber 816 through an outlet 852, and is introduced to the water 808 contained within the system 806. In this particular example, the water 808 is circulated through the branch circuit 804 in the direction of arrow 812.

A water treatment device 326 can include any number of treatment chambers 816, for example to scale the water treatment device 326 such that an appropriate amount of treated gas can be provided to the system 806 containing water 808 to be treated. The water treatment device 326 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8 includes multiple treatment chambers 816. In particular, first 816 a and second 816 b treatment chambers are illustrated. The treatment chambers 816 are mounted to a common frame or support structure 820. Each treatment chamber 816 includes an inlet 824 that is supplied with pressurized air by a pump 828. More particularly, an outlet 832 of the pump 828 can be connected to a common supply conduit 836. The common supply conduit 836 can in turn be connected to a Y or T fitting 840 via a solenoid valve 844. First 848 a and second 848 b supply conduits are interconnected to the first 824 a and second 824 b inlets of the treatment chambers 816 a and 816 b respectively. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the pump 828 draws air from the ambient environment, and provides a pressurized supply of such air to the treatment chambers 816. The solenoid valve 844 allows the interior volumes of the treatment chambers 816 to be sealed off while the pump 828 is not supplying pressurized air, for example as a result of a planned or inadvertent shutdown of the pump 828, to prevent a backflow of water into the water treatment device 326.

Each treatment chamber 816 includes an outlet 852. Each outlet 852 can be interconnected to a corresponding outlet conduit 856 a or 856 b. The outlet conduits 856 are in turn interconnected to a common outlet conduit 860 by a Y or T fitting 864. The common outlet conduit 860 is in turn interconnected to the branch circuit 804 at an injection port 868. Accordingly, pressurized air that is passed through a treatment chamber 816 is supplied to the water 808 within the branch circuit 804 as a treated gas via the injection port 868. In accordance with at least some embodiments, the injection port 868 can comprise a simple T fitting, a bubbler, a venturi, or the like. Alternatively or in addition, the injection port 868 can incorporate or be associated with a one-way valve that allows treated gas to enter the flow of water 808, but to prevent that water 808 from entering the outlet conduit 860. Moreover, the injection port 868 can incorporate or be associated with a viewing port, for example to allow maintenance personnel to confirm operation of the device by inspection.

The water treatment device 326 also includes various electronic components. For example, a ballast 872 is provided to supply a controlled current to the UV radiation or light source 912 (see FIG. 9) within each treatment chamber 816. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, a first ballast 872 a is provided to supply current to the UV radiation source 912 of the first treatment chamber 816 a, while a second ballast 872 b is provided to supply a controlled current to the UV radiation source 912 of the second treatment chamber 816 b. In addition, one or more controller boards 876 may be provided. The controller board 876 can include a processor and associated memory to control aspects of the operation of the water treatment device 326. For example, operation of the pump 828, the solenoid 844, and the UV radiation sources 912 can be under the control of the controller board 876. The controller board 876 can also receive control input, for example from a user through an associated user input device 880 regarding the operation of the water treatment device 326. Moreover, the controller board 876 can provide output to a user output device 884 concerning the operation of the water treatment device 326. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller board 876 may comprise a controller device with an integrated processor and memory. Alternatively or in addition, the controller board 876 can include discrete digital logic devices and/or analog devices. Embodiments of a water treatment device 326 can additionally include various gages and/or indicator lamps 888. The gages and indicator lamps 888 can include indications of the amount of current being drawn by one or more of the UV radiation sources 912, to provide an indication of the proper operation of the UV radiation source 912. As a further example, a gage or indicator lamp 888 can provide indication of the air pressure within a treatment chamber 816, to provide information regarding the operation of the pump 828.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section of a treatment chamber 816 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The treatment chamber 816 includes a treatment chamber housing 904. The treatment chamber housing 904 includes a treatment chamber input port or inlet 824 and an a treatment chamber output port or outlet 852. The treatment chamber housing 904 additionally defines an interior or treatment volume 908. Moreover, the input port 824 and the output port 852 are generally at opposite ends of the treatment chamber housing 904 and the interior volume 908 defined therein. An ultraviolet (UV) radiation or light source 912 is located within the interior volume 908 of the treatment chamber housing 904. The UV radiation source 912 can comprise a low pressure mercury lamp that produces light at germicidal (e.g., about 254 nm) and ozone producing (e.g., about 185 nm) wavelengths. Moreover, the UV radiation source 912 can, in an exemplary embodiment, but without limitation, comprise a four pin single ended device, with the pins or electrical contacts located in a base portion 914 at a first end 920 of the treatment chamber housing 904. As can be appreciated by one of skill in the art, in a single ended lamp, the power is supplied to an electrode or electrodes at the second end 924 of the lamp by wires (not shown) that extend from the first end 920 to the second end 924 of the lamp. In accordance with still other embodiments, the UV radiation source 912 can comprise any source of radiation at the desired wavelength or wavelengths. For example, a UV radiation source 912 can comprise one or more lasers tuned or otherwise configured to output a desired wavelength or wavelengths.

The treatment chamber 816 can also include a pair of linear arrays 916 of magnets 932. The magnets 932 are arranged such that the polarities of the individual magnets 932 within an array 916 repel one another. In addition, as between the two arrays 916 a and 916 b, adjacent magnets 932 are arranged such that their magnetic fields are oppositely aligned. As a result, magnetic fields that traverse at least some or a substantial portion of the interior volume 908 of the treatment chamber 816 are created. Accordingly, air introduced at the inlet 824 and exhausted through the outlet 852 is passed through the magnetic fields, as well as being exposed to UV radiation from the UV radiation source 912. In accordance with alternate embodiments, the magnets 932 within an array 916 can be arranged such that they attract one another. In accordance with still further embodiments, magnets can be placed next to the ends of the UV radiation source 912. For example, a pair of magnets 932, aligned such that their magnetic fields are opposite one another, can be placed next to each end of the UV radiation source 912. The magnets 932 can comprise permanent magnets, including but not limited to high strength permanent magnets. Alternatively or in addition, the magnets 932 can comprise electromagnets. In accordance with still other embodiments, magnets 932 can be located outside of the treatment chamber 816, but positioned such that the magnetic field or fields produced by the magnets 932 intersect gas that will be provided to the water to be treated as a treated gas.

As can be appreciated by one of skill in the art after consideration of the present disclosure, a water treatment device 326 can be scaled to incorporate any number of treatment chambers 816. For example, a single treatment chamber 816 version can be provided by omitting the second treatment chamber 816 b, and by likewise omitting the associated conduits 848 b and 852 b and the corresponding Ts 840 and 864, or alternatively by capping or plugging the third port of the Ts 840 and 864. As yet another alternative, a water treatment device 326 can incorporate more than two treatment chambers 816, by providing additional treatment chambers 816, and through appropriate interconnections of the inlets 824 of such chambers 816 to the pump 828, and between the outlets 852 of such chambers and the injection port 868. In accordance with still other embodiments, a water treatment device 326 can be provided with multiple treatment chambers 816, in which less than all of the treatment chambers 816 are operated. For example, additional treatment chambers 816 can be incorporated as spares, and can be interconnected to the pump 828 and the injection port 868 after the failure of another one of the treatment chambers 816. In accordance with still other embodiments, a water treatment device 326 with multiple treatment chambers 816 can be provided in which all of the included treatment chambers 816 are interconnected to the pump 828 and to the injection port 868, but in which a selected number of UV radiation sources 912 associated with treatment chambers 816 are operated at any particular point in time. Such embodiments permit higher concentrations of treated gas to be supplied to the injection port 868 when required, by operating all or a greater number of the treatment chambers 816, for example upon startup of the water treatment device 326 or when aggressive treatment of the water 808 within the water treatment system 300 is desired. When a steady state or when aggressive treatment of the water 808 is otherwise not required, at least some of the UV radiation sources 912 can be powered off, to conserve electrical power.

FIG. 10 depicts a process 1100 for treating a water stream in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

In step 1110, an oxygen-containing gas stream is contacted with ultraviolet radiation to form treated oxygen gas. Preferably, the oxygen-containing gas stream comprises air. The air can be derived from any source, such as without limitation the surrounding atmosphere, a compressor, an air pump, or a gas cylinder containing compressed air to name a few. In some configurations, the oxygen-containing gas stream can comprise an oxygen fortified air or a super-atmospheric oxygen gas stream. Oxygen fortified air generally refers to gas stream containing more than about 21.1% oxygen (O₂) (according to the 1976 Standard Atmosphere) and nitrogen (N₂), argon (Ar) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) in volume ratio of about 78:1:0.04. At least some of the oxygen contained in the oxygen fortified air can be derived from an oxygen concentrator, oxygen-generator, and/or oxygen source (such as without limitation, bottled oxygen gas or liquid oxygen source). A super-atmospheric oxygen gas stream generally refers a gas stream having a partial pressure of oxygen greater than the ambient oxygen partial pressure. The supper-atmospheric oxygen gas stream may or may contain one or more of nitrogen, argon and carbon dioxide and may or may not have a nitrogen:argon:carbon dioxide volume ratio of about 78:1:0.04.

The ultraviolet radiation can be derived from any process and/or device generating ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation. Preferably, the oxygen-containing gas stream absorbs at least some the ultraviolet radiation to form the treated oxygen gas. More preferably, at least some of the oxygen absorbs at least some of the ultraviolet radiation to form the treated oxygen gas. In some configurations, the oxygen-containing gas stream is contacted with the ultraviolet radiation in the presence of an induced magnetic field.

The induced magnetic field is generated by a linear array of magnets. The magnets are preferably permanent magnets, but in some configurations can be electromagnets. Pairs of magnets are arranged to the form the linear array with each magnet in the array repealing its nearest neighbors. Stated another way, like magnetic polls positioned adjacent to one another, such as for example (NS) (SN) (NS) (SN).

The ultraviolet radiation has a wavelength from about 40 to about 400 nm. Preferably, the ultraviolet radiation comprises radiation having a wavelength of about 185 nm, about 254 nm, or a mixture of 185 and 254 nm wavelengths.

While not wanting to be limited by theory, it is believed that the treated oxygen gas comprises oxygen atoms. The absorption of ultraviolet radiation by oxygen (O₂) is believed to cause some of the oxygen (O₂) to dissociate into oxygen atoms (O). The oxygen atoms (O) are believe to be oxygen neutral, that is uncharged, oxygen radials.

In step 1120, a water stream is contacted with the treated gas to form a treated water stream. In some configurations, the water stream has a first concentration of bacteria and the treated water has a second concentration of bacteria. Preferably, the second concentration is no more than the first concentration.

In a method of treating water by use of a water treatment device of the present invention, the electric gas pump of the second embodiment water treatment device draws air from within the housing of the water treatment device and pumps the air under positive pressure through the fluid deliver tube. The air flows across a pressure gradient into the gas treatment chamber, where the air is subjected to UV radiation while proximate a magnet residing in the magnetic rod. The gas is preferably UV irradiated while within 8 inches of the magnet, more preferably within 3 inches of the magnet, still more preferably within 1.5 inch of the magnet, and most preferably within 0.5 inch of the magnet. The UV radiation is emitted by the UV radiation source. The UV radiation source of the second embodiment water treatment device emits radiation having spectral peaks with wavelengths of approximately 253.7 nm and 180 nm.

As used here, even lasers and diodes can emit radiation having spectral peaks, although the spectrum or spectrums of radiation may be very narrow. Persons of ordinary skill in the art recognize that even radiation referred to as monochromatic usually emits a wavelengths across a spectrum, albeit a very narrow one. Where a UV radiation source emits radiation of only one wavelength, that wavelength is considered a spectral peak for the purposes of this specification and appended claims.

Ozone is generated in the air as it flows through and is treated in the gas treatment chamber. The treated air exits the gas treatment chamber into the gas outlet tube and then into the water reservoir. Air that exits the water treatment device by flowing into the gas outlet tube is replaced by air flowing into the housing through gas inlet ports disposed in the water treatment device housing.

Treated air refers to air that has been irradiated by UV light from the UV radiation source in the presence of a magnetic field generated by the magnets. In the second embodiment of the water treatment device, the magnets are permanent magnets. In some other embodiments, the magnets can be electromagnets. In accordance with still other embodiments, a combination of electromagnets and permanent magnets can be included. Moreover, where permanent magnets are used, those magnets can comprise high strength magnets. Air that exits the water treatment device by flowing into the gas outlet tube is replaced by air flowing into the housing through gas inlet ports.

While not wanting to be limited by any particular example, the presence and orientation of magnetic fields within the treatment chamber when oxygen-containing gas is exposed to ultraviolet light can affect the level of hydrogen peroxide in the treated water. Table II summarizes the effect that a magnetic field can have on the level of hydrogen peroxide in the treated water. In Test No. 1, a 20-gallon sample of water was exposed for 20 minutes to

TABLE II Test No. Magnetic Configuration Level of H₂O₂ in Treated Water 1 No Magnetic Field 0.2 ppm 2 (NS)(NS)(NS)(NS) 1.0 ppm 3 (NS)(SN)(NS)(SN) 4.0 ppm an oxygen-containing gas treated with ultra-violet light in the absence of an applied magnetic field. At the conclusion of Test No. 1, the treated water had a hydrogen peroxide level of about 0.2 ppm. In Test No. 2, a fresh 20-gallon sample of water was exposed for 20 minutes to an oxygen-containing gas treated with ultra-violet light in the presence of an attractive magnetic field. The attractive magnetic field is formed from a series of magnets having their magnetic poles aligned in an attractive manner, that is (NS)(NS)(NS)(NS). The water treated with oxygen-containing gas radiated with ultra-violet light in the presence of the attractive magnetic field had a hydrogen peroxide level of about 1.0 ppm at the conclusion of Test No. 2, about five times that of the water treated in the absence of an applied magnetic field. In Test No. 3, a fresh 20-gallon sample of water was exposed for 20 minutes to an oxygen-containing gas treated with ultra-violet light in the presence of an opposing magnetic field. The opposing magnetic field is formed from a series of magnets having their magnetic poles aligned in an opposing manner, that is (NS)(SN)(NS)(SN). Water treated with oxygen-containing gas radiated with ultra-violet light in the presence of the opposing magnetic field had a hydrogen peroxide level of about 4.0 ppm at the conclusion of Test No. 3. This is about twenty times that of water treated in the absence of an applied magnetic field and about four times that of water treated with an applied attractive magnetic field.

Water treated with the water treatment device can have a reduced surface tension compared to untreated water. While not wanting to be limited by any particular example, the footprint of a drop of water on a control substrate prior to treatment was about half that of a drop of water after being treated by the treatment device. It is believed that the doubling in size of the footprint of the treated water is substantially due to a decrease in the surface tension of the treated water.

Treatment Waters

In some embodiments, the water treated by the water treatment device is cooling tower water. Preferably, the cooling tower water is a re-circulated cooling tower water, typically referred to by those of ordinary skill in the art as a closed dry cooling tower water. While not wanting to limited by example the cooling tower water may be a component of an oil refinery, a petrochemical and/or other chemical plant, a power station or a heating, ventilation and air condition system. The water treatment device can be configured to contact treated gas that is a gas contacted with ultra-violet light with the cooling tower water at any location in the cooling water system. Preferably, the treated gas is contacted with, that is injected in the cooling tower header line and/or side stream line interconnected to the cooling tower header line.

In some embodiments, the water treated by the water treatment device is one of recreational, therapy and architectural water. Preferably, the recreational, therapy and/or architectural waters comprise a re-circulating water system. Non-limiting examples of recreational waters include swimming pools, spas and hot tubs. Non-limiting examples of therapy pools include hydrotherapy pools, injury (such as, burn, skeletal, and/or muscular) recovery/rehab pools, low impact exercise pools and such. Architectural waters include without limitation water fountains, water walls, reflective pools and the like. The water re-circulating system for recreational, therapy and architectural waters typically include one or more of the following unit operations: balance tank unit; flocculation process; filtration unit; aeration unit; antimicrobial treatment unit; and sorbent treatment unit. The water treatment device can be configured to contact treated gas that is a gas contacted with ultra-violet light with the recreational, therapy and/or architectural water at any location in the re-circulating water system. Preferably, the water treatment device replaces one or more of the unit operations, such as but not limited to the aeration and antimicrobial units.

In some embodiments, the water treated by the water treatment device is agricultural water. Preferably, the water contains an adjuvant being applied to animal and/or plant to treat the animal and/or plant. In some embodiments, the adjuvant is formulated with water treated by the water treatment device. In some embodiments, the water containing the adjuvant is treated by the water treatment device prior to being applied to the animal and/or plant.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for treating water, comprising: a treatment chamber housing, wherein the treatment chamber housing defines an interior volume; a treatment chamber inlet, wherein the treatment chamber inlet is operable to admit an oxygen-containing gas stream into the interior volume of the treatment chamber housing; an ultraviolet (UV) radiation source disposed along a first axis, wherein the UV radiation source is located within the interior volume of the treatment chamber housing; a plurality of magnets contained within the interior volume of the treatment chamber housing, wherein at least some of the magnets in the plurality of magnets are arrayed along a second axis, and wherein the first axis is substantially parallel with the second axis; and a treatment chamber outlet, wherein the treatment chamber outlet is operable to exhaust the oxygen-containing gas stream from the interior volume of the treatment chamber housing.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein adjacent magnets in the plurality of magnets are spaced apart by a distance greater than 0″.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein adjacent magnets in the plurality of magnets are spaced apart equally from one another.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein at least some of the magnets in the plurality of magnets are arrayed along the second axis and a third axis, wherein the first axis is substantially parallel with the second and third axes.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein a first magnet on the second axis and a first magnet on the third axis are positioned about one end of the UV radiation source.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein at least some of the magnets in the plurality of magnets are positioned at one of a first end of the UV radiation source and a second end of the UV radiation source.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising: an air pump, wherein an outlet of the air pump provides a flow of air to the treatment chamber inlet.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the UV radiation source is operable to emit light at a plurality of wavelengths, including light at a first wavelength that is within a range from 178 nm to 187 nm, and including light at a second wavelength that is within a range from 252 nm to 256 nm.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the polarities of the magnets arrayed along the second axis are such that a first magnet on the second axis repels a second magnet on the second axis.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein at least some of the magnets in the plurality of magnets are arrayed along the second axis and a third axis, wherein the polarities of the magnets arrayed along the third axis are such that a first magnet on the third axis repels a second magnet on the third axis, wherein the first magnet on the second axis is adjacent the first magnet on the third axis, wherein the second magnet on the second axis is adjacent the second magnet on the third axis, and wherein the first adjacent magnets and the second adjacent magnets have magnetic fields with polarities that are oppositely aligned.
 11. A system for treating water, comprising: a treatment chamber housing, wherein the treatment chamber housing has an inner surface that defines an interior volume; a treatment chamber inlet, wherein the treatment chamber inlet is operable to admit an oxygen-containing gas stream into the interior volume of the treatment chamber housing; an ultraviolet (UV) radiation source, wherein the UV radiation source is located within the interior volume of the treatment chamber housing; a plurality of magnets contained within the interior volume of the treatment chamber housing, wherein the magnets included in the plurality of magnets have outer surfaces and a space is formed between the outer surfaces of the magnets and the inner surface of the treatment chamber housing; and a treatment chamber outlet, wherein the treatment chamber outlet is operable to exhaust the oxygen-containing gas stream from the interior volume of the treatment chamber housing.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein adjacent magnets in the plurality of magnets are spaced apart by a distance greater than 0″.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein adjacent magnets in the plurality of magnets are spaced apart equally from one another.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the UV radiation source is disposed along a first axis, and at least some of the magnets in the plurality of magnets are arrayed along a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are noncollinear.
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the UV radiation source is operable to emit light at a plurality of wavelengths, including light at a first wavelength that is within a range from 178 nm to 187 nm, and including light at a second wavelength that is within a range from 252 nm to 256 nm.
 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the UV radiation source is disposed along a first axis, and at least some of the magnets in the plurality of magnets are arrayed along a second axis, and wherein the first axis is substantially parallel with the second axis.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein at least some of the magnets in the plurality of magnets are arrayed along the second axis and a third axis, wherein the first axis is substantially parallel with the second and third axes, and wherein a first magnet on the second axis and a first magnet on the third axis are positioned about one end of the UV radiation source.
 18. The system of claim 11, wherein at least some of the magnets in the plurality of magnets are positioned at one of a first end of the UV radiation source and a second end of the UV radiation source.
 19. The system of claim 11, wherein at least some of the magnets in the plurality of magnets are arrayed along a first axis, and wherein the polarities of the magnets are such that a first magnet on the first axis repels a second magnet on the first axis.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein at least some of the magnets in the plurality of magnets are arrayed along the first axis and a second axis, wherein the polarities of the magnets arrayed along the second axis are such that a first magnet on the second axis repels a second magnet on the second axis, wherein the first magnet of the first axis is adjacent the first magnet of the second axis, wherein the second magnet of the first axis is adjacent the second magnet of the second axis, and wherein the first adjacent magnets and the second adjacent magnets have magnetic fields with polarities that are oppositely aligned. 